Vermont's largest city, Burlington, is on a hilltop overlooking Lake Champlain and New York's Adirondack highlands. Downtown extends to the coast, although Church Street is its primary commercial sector. This car-free zone with stores and restaurants is often busy. The majestic University of Vermont campus tops the hill, giving Burlington a youthful, vibrant atmosphere.
Expect a lot of arts, culture, and outdoor activities, but not a huge metropolis. Burlington's various galleries and studios showcase the work of its many talented artists and artisans. The Vermont Symphony Orchestra, university music and theatrical organizations, and the Flynn Theater attract top national and international artists. Our list of Burlington's best attractions will help you locate things to do.
Champlain cruises
Lake Champlain crosses Vermont, New York, and Canada. Most of its waters are in Vermont, and its breadth ranges from 0.5 to 12 miles. Spirit of Ethan Allen III provides Lake Champlain scenic tours with Revolutionary War and another lake historical narrative. Lake Champlain's largest cruise ship, 140 feet long, can transport 363 persons on lunch, supper, and dancing cruises. Daily sailing cruises and Friendship Sloop's charters depart from Burlington's downtown piers.
Burlington Bike Path Waterfront Park
A large park borders the lakeshore with a bike path and promenade that ends at College Street. Vermont's unique Every-America Display Garden blooms fresh floral ornamental plants all summer along the docks. Waterfront Park hosts summer and fall events, jogging, cycling, strolling, and picnics. Battery Park sits atop Battery Street, where the 1812 battery was erected. In August 1813, U.S. guns battled British ships on Lake Champlain from here.
South End Arts District
A former industrial zone along the lakeside south of the city has become Burlington's most vibrant art and food scene, including galleries, art spaces, and events. The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery on Pine Street is an art collective where hundreds of artists show their paintings, drawings, prints, collages, sculptures, photography, silver and stone jewelry, ceramics, and other media. The South End Arts District's S.P.A.C.E. Gallery hosts monthly shows with First Friday Art Walk openings.
Shelburne Museum
This huge, open-air museum in Burlington displays authentic buildings from Vermont's history on a campus that doesn't claim to be a town but showcases each home, farm, and shop with period furniture and rural life in its time. The 39 ancient buildings, including the lake steamship S.S. Ticonderoga, transported here by rail and renovated, are furnished or showcase great collections of decorative arts, paintings, folk art, and Americana. The grounds contain a covered bridge, print shop, train terminal, private car, and locomotive, prison, pharmacy, schoolhouse, country store, meeting house, lighthouse, and New England's last round barn.
Aquarium and Science Center at ECHO Lake
Bring the kids to this area of Burlington; We guarantee they will have a great time. Thanks to the integration of nature and technology, you can appreciate marine life and witness some fantastic species that you otherwise may not have access to. You may have fun learning about frogs up close and personal, meeting some of the wonderful individuals who formerly called this city home and being captivated by the breathtaking vistas of the Lake.
Ethan Allen Homestead
Formerly the home of Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen, this massive property spans 1,400 acres. Currently, there is an archeological and historical exhibition there. There is also a large park where visitors frequently pause to take photographs. Allen's farmhouse is a popular tourist attraction because of his newfound celebrity status in Vermont. Hiking here is a great way to exercise and spend time with friends or family in a serene setting.
Stowe Day Trip
Stowe, Vermont's major tourist destination, is a short drive from Burlington. Take Interstate 89 south to Waterbury and Route 100, known as "The Skiers Highway" for its many ski resorts, through the state. Mt. Mansfield, the northwest skyline, and the typical New England village are photogenic. Winter skiers still throng Stowe's inns and lodges. With a magnificent biking and walking trail across the valley and hills, there are lots of year-round attractions.
The State Park of Smugglers' Notch
When Burlington was young, he had to make do with the slender track and wait for the trail of horses to pass. Smugglers Notch State Park, however, allows visitors to see both the ancient building and the magnificent Bingham Falls. An interesting historical site, this area was relocated by the CCC.
Green Mountain Audubon Center
This is one of the greatest nature paths because of the variety of animals seen here. Summer is the ideal season because of the variety of wildlife you may observe. This place is like a paradise for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors and gaining knowledge from mother nature. On top of that, we periodically host unique programs and events. It's a pity you can't visit on the weekends, but you can if you prepare ahead and only go during the week.
Church Street Marketplace
If you like shopping at markets like the Farmer's Market, you might also like this one. It's more akin to a pedestrian-friendly shopping center. It took over 19 years to build this mall, with money coming from the federal government. Nearby Pearl Street offers a wide variety of excellent dining and shopping options. This is the best option for you if you value good meals.
